Isn't Cuba a dangerous country?
Actually, Cuba has the lowest crime rate in the Western Hemisphere! You will be surprised by the visible police presence in Cuba. They are there specifically to protect and help tourists.
Foreign currency and/or convertible pesos (CUC) are vital to their economy, they bend over backwards to make sure everyone has a safe and pleasant stay.
Although, be aware of your belongings in cities like Havana and Santiago de Cuba just like in every capital city
Do they have Internet & E-mail access in Cuba?
Yes
Wifi is available at hotels, some Cuban homes and hotspots in cities.
More info and costs you can find at Etecsa
The Caribbean is so expensive ... how much will does Cuba cost?
First of all, in comparison with other Caribbean islands Cuba isn't expensive. You can not compare Cuba with the mainland of any country in specific not with prices in Asia.
For the price of a hotel room on most other islands in the caribe, all of your daily expenses will be covered in Cuba. Your airfare will be your most expensive single item.
I find that USD 75 - 100 is typically more than enough for a casa, food, transportation and "incidentals".
Low budget travelers can do with 50 USD per day.
What is the best time to go to Cuba, and what is the cheapest period?
March, April October and November are the months with the nicest weather and less rain.
The high season in Cuba is July / August
Peak Season is December / January/ February (Canadians)
Hurricane season is from June 1 till November 30
For a more detailed weather info check out the General Info page
Do I need a Visa and a passport?
Yes and yes
Cuba will give you a visa / tourist card, however, you must acquire the visa before you arrive.
You can accomplish this by contacting the nearest Cuban Embassy or Consulate in your country, except for citizens of the USA, whom will be issued a visa onboard their flights to Cuba.
Order your visa online
Passports
Ensure that your passport has at least 6 months left till it expires, calculated from your departure date ...
More about the do's and don'ts in the "Vamos" page
They told me I need to a book an hotel, but I want to stay in a Casa Particular?
Cuban unwritten rules say: you have to book a hotel for the first night.
If you only booked a flight you must fill in your visa, the old version of the visa will ask you in which hotel you are staying ... fill in any address of a hotel and look really innocent going through customs ...
The experience tells, it is also ok to fill in any address of a licensed casa particular. However ... IF customs has a strict day they can demand to book a hotel, if you didn't they will make a reservation for you.
Yikes!! I don't speak Spanish... !!!
Some Spanish is a definite plus. I suggest you learn a few simple phrases.
However, many Cubans speak English and many of the people we will be in contact with speak English very well also. Cubans are very patient, don't worry, they will wait for you to find the right word.
What about electricity?
Electricity
Cuba has 110 volt, some more luxury hotels also 220.
Socket is as shown at the picture.
What about money? and can I use my credit card?
Sure ... as long as it's not drawn on an American bank. Unfortunately, it's part of the US embargo restrictions on Cuba. No US travelers cheques either. Americans have to carry cash.
Fortunately, almost all hotels have safes in the room. As for casa particulares; mostly they are to trust, because the owners of a casa are to frightened to loose their licensee because something "bad" happened with a tourist in their home.
I hear many prescription drugs are not available in Cuba ... what if I get sick?
Cuban doctors are known throughout Latin America as the best trained doctors in the region. However, they do lack many of the bare necessities that we expect. "Tourist Pharmacies" DO stock many prescription drugs. Nevertheless, I suggest bringing with you antibiotics, aspirin, band-aids, anything you may need for personal hygiene, etc. just in case. Besides, they make great gifts for the Cubans when you leave.
Can I travel on my own or do I have to make a tour reservation?
You can travel through Cuba on your own, however, sometimes it can be a bit of an adventure but that's why we travel for right? ;).
You can rent a car, grab a by bus, train, domestic flight, arrange a transfer or taxi on llocation, or just hitch hike.
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